Another hoot of an owl sounded from thedistant trees.
He turned toward the shore, gave a slow exhale that tumbled out in misty white. She wondered if he was thinking ofhis lost love.
“’Tis beautiful,” he finally murmured.
Shimmers of light danced upon the loch, glinted off the bits of ice clinging to the edge. “Being here has always brought me peace.” At least she would have this place to return to.
She stilled.
Or, once they’d wed, would he insist on returning to his castle? She fisted her hands at the thought of leaving her home. And her father; if they didna rescuehim, then what?
Kieran leaned upon the carved stone, glanced over. “’Tis foolish to think about, but our upcoming marriage wouldna be an issue if I wasna the onlysurviving son.”
Caught off-balance by his words, she frowned. She’d never heard that Lord Craigshyre had a sibling. “I am so sorry for your loss. Did your older brotherdie in battle?”
“Nay, during birth. ’Twas something I overheard as a child, when my mother and father were speaking and didna realize I was nearby.” He paused. “Do you have any sisters?”
“Nay, I havenay siblings.”
“Which brings us back to our predicament. Worry naught, I assure you, I am thankful you are a strong and wise lass unafraid to speak your mind. And”—he said with a hint of a smile—“beautiful.”
His words held naught but camaraderie, and she relaxed. “And I that you arena a weak-willed man.”
“I have never,” he said, his voice dry, “been accused of such.”
The annoyance in his reply sounding so much the wayRónán would sayit, she chuckled. “ThatI can believe.”
Kieran pushed away from the stone. ‘Come, ’tis growing late. Allow me to escort you toyour chamber.”
After one last glance over the land she loved,Lathir nodded.
“Though we are bound by duty,” he said as he walked toward the turret, “for the first time since my arrival, I feel relief in that, though ours will not be a marriage of love, ’twill be one of respect.”
“I feel the same.” Though she doubted she’d ever recover from the pain of losing Rónán.
They walked in silence for several moments, their shadows blendinginto the night.
Another gust whispered past, tossing flakes of snow in a delicate swirl. They spun in the star-laden night in a graceful spiral, swaying softly to land upon the wall walk. She was glad for the thick fur cape that kept the cold at bay.
“My lady—”
“Lathir.”
He nodded at the invited intimacy as they strolled. “Lathir, I wanted to inform you that runners were dispatched shortly after your arrival to learn any details of where Lord Sionnmay be held.”
“I thank you, but why did you not tell me earlier?” she asked, irritation slidinginto her voice.
“Until we have a solid idea of where he is being held, I didna want to give you false hope. After our conversation just now, in the future I will be forthright with you.” He paused. “Rest assured, my father and I will do all within our power to ensure Lord Sionn is freed.”
Shame filled her at her terse manner. He knew so little about her; his actions were born from caution. And she’d reacted instead of appreciating his consideration. “Forgive me for sounding so harsh. I am tired and on edge, and you were being naught but thoughtful.”
“’Tis naught to apologize for. If my father was in danger, I would be the devilto deal with.”
“I thank you for understanding. My father and I are very close.”
“As are myfather and I.”
Their both holding strong ties with their parents was important. That they’d both lost one of their parents, however devastating, was another bond. Then there was the fact that each of themloved another.
